Windows ... a world of expensive?

Ok, so we need to replace our windows.

They're not that old (1980s) but the frames are all wooden, we get bucketloads of rain here, and the bottoms of some of the frames are very (and I mean very) rotten.

So I got some pricing to replace the windows. they're almost floor to ceiling, and the top half winds out ...

We were told that to replace them with aluminium frames (so they don't rot next time!) they'd be about $600 each ($400 each, but our windows are 10cm wider than the "normal" size, so we'd nee to buy bigger ones and get them cut down) not including labour ...

There's five windows.

Ouch!

That's $3K without even starting on labour!

How much would labour be?

And how long is the wait normally, to get tradespeople out?

Or is there a cheaper way of getting windows?

Yeah not cheap! Only other options a second hand yard but they would be wooden again so not a long term
Solution if you are worried about more rotting, we wanted to keep the original 50s ones here so picked them up for half the price. Most places that sell should install so it's worth asking turnaround times for ordering and if they can install once ready.

can't tell you specifics but yes they are expensive. Definitely get a quote cause it sounds like a bit of work involved to cut them down and install them.

Do you have any handy friends? Windows aren't that hard to install. Also, you'll cut your labour costs if you remove the old ones yourselves. Also regarding the cutting down bigger ones - is it possible to get a quote for them to be made? I had my aluminium windows made by a glassier as nothing is standard in anold house. That was nearly 10 years ago I think it cost me around $4000 then including security screens.

I got a quote for 4 'standard' windows and very 2 small windows. It's a 1940s house.

$900.

I see you're in Melbourne, I don't know where... I bought new windows a couple of years ago, the cheapest place I found was on Boundary Road in Braeside, near Mordialloc. I can't remember the name of it but it's just near the big roundabout at the corner of Governor Road. Our windows were also an irregular size and they just made them to order, no problems. I can't remember the exact cost, but I do recall that they were markedly cheaper than any other quote I got. And the windows were great quality!

Oh yes very expensive - we just put in Double Glazing in our place and that was a world of expensive (15K including labor) - but these will last forever and reduce our heating bills plus the noise reduction is very good. Oh and we had to wait 3 months. The place did other types of windows e.g. the Aluminium Frame type but I doubt they are particularly cheap but will message you the name anyway.

We're looking at 3k just to replace the glass, not frames, and that is DH getting "mates rates" from a friend. That's for our whole house. I'm not surprised it is that expensive!

That is cheap! We've been looking for windows and have been finding some are a hell of a lot more expensive than that!

thanks for all the replies!!

we've never done any sort of renos before, so it's good to have a soundboard to see.

we are not handypersons at all ... assembling Ikea furniture is about the limit of our abilities...